Hello,
There are many cases reported in couple of decades, where people are falsely accused of crimes they didn't commit, and had to do their time in prison. My question is that; what is the effect of this on victim's mental health? Do they become violent? Develop mental illness?
IF you want to analyze it yourself, here is an interrogation tape about a person being falsely accused.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BemHqUqcpI8&t=759s
Here is one more:
Hi Ayesha,
That is a great question and one I am very interested in knowing about the research on. Though I have not looked at any research myself, I am sure that there is some level of PTSD for these individuals, not to mention possible paranoia of law enforcement and government officials. I would also go to say that depression may be likely as well, although maybe only partly due to the physical experience of being incarcerated. After being released from prison, it is incredibly difficult to obtain steady employment, find housing, and reconnect your relationships with people. While it may be a little easier for those who have been exonerated of the crimes, many of those who are innocent are never exonerated and have to live their life with the conviction against them. All of these factors could lead to depression or other forms of mental illness.
We also know that jails and prisons may be criminogenic in nature, or in other words, basically school for criminals, in that they all learn from each other. This could lead to someone exhibiting violent behavior when they otherwise would not.